Status:
valid
Authors:
Gleason
Source:
wcs
Year:
1925
Citation Micro:
Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 52: 184 (1925)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000392363
Common Names
- Giant Yam
- Giant Wild Yam
- Dioscorea megacarpa
Description
Dioscorea megacarpa (also called large-fruited yam, among many other common names) is a perennial climbing vine native to East Asia. It has long, slender stems with heart-shaped leaves and small, white flowers. It grows in moist, shady habitats such as forests and riverbanks.
Uses & Benefits
Dioscorea megacarpa has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, headaches, and stomachaches. It is also used to reduce inflammation and to treat skin conditions. It is also used as a flavoring agent in food and beverages.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Dioscorea megacarpa has small, yellow flowers with five petals. The seeds are small, black and round. The seedlings are small, with oval-shaped leaves and a single stem.
Cultivation and Propagation
Dioscorea megacarpa is a tropical plant that is native to the Philippines. It can be propagated by seed or by division of the rootstock. It prefers a warm, moist environment and full sun. It can be grown in containers or in the ground. It is best to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Fertilize regularly with a balanced fertilizer. It is a fast-growing plant and can reach up to 3 feet in height.
Where to Find Dioscorea megacarpa
Dioscorea megacarpa can be found in the mountains of Yunnan, China.
Dioscorea megacarpa FAQ
What is the scientific name of Dioscorea megacarpa?
Dioscorea megacarpa
What is the common name of Dioscorea megacarpa?
Giant Yam
What is the natural habitat of Dioscorea megacarpa?
Tropical moist forests
Species in the Dioscorea genus
Dioscorea abysmophila,
Dioscorea abyssinica,
Dioscorea acanthogene,
Dioscorea acerifolia,
Dioscorea acuminata,
Dioscorea adenantha,
Dioscorea aesculifolia,
Dioscorea aguilarii,
Dioscorea alata,
Dioscorea alatipes,
Dioscorea althaeoides,
Dioscorea amaranthoides,
Dioscorea amazonum,
Dioscorea amoena,
Dioscorea analalavensis,
Dioscorea ancachsensis,
Dioscorea andina,
Dioscorea andromedusae,
Dioscorea anomala,
Dioscorea antaly,
Dioscorea antucoana,
Dioscorea arachidna,
Dioscorea araucana,
Dioscorea arcuatinervis,
Dioscorea argyrogyna,
Dioscorea arifolia,
Dioscorea aristolochiifolia,
Dioscorea asclepiadea,
Dioscorea aspera,
Dioscorea aspersa,
Dioscorea asperula,
Dioscorea asteriscus,
Dioscorea atrescens,
Dioscorea auriculata,
Dioscorea bahiensis,
Dioscorea balcanica,
Dioscorea bancana,
Dioscorea banzhuana,
Dioscorea bartlettii,
Dioscorea basiclavicaulis,
Dioscorea baya,
Dioscorea beecheyi,
Dioscorea belophylla,
Dioscorea bemandry,
Dioscorea bemarivensis,
Dioscorea benthamii,
Dioscorea berenicea,
Dioscorea bermejensis,
Dioscorea bernoulliana,
Dioscorea besseriana,
Species in the Dioscoreaceae family
Dioscorea abysmophila,
Dioscorea abyssinica,
Dioscorea acanthogene,
Dioscorea acerifolia,
Dioscorea acuminata,
Dioscorea adenantha,
Dioscorea aesculifolia,
Dioscorea aguilarii,
Dioscorea alata,
Dioscorea alatipes,
Dioscorea althaeoides,
Dioscorea amaranthoides,
Dioscorea amazonum,
Dioscorea amoena,
Dioscorea analalavensis,
Dioscorea ancachsensis,
Dioscorea andina,
Dioscorea andromedusae,
Dioscorea anomala,
Dioscorea antaly,
Dioscorea antucoana,
Dioscorea arachidna,
Dioscorea araucana,
Dioscorea arcuatinervis,
Dioscorea argyrogyna,
Dioscorea arifolia,
Dioscorea aristolochiifolia,
Dioscorea asclepiadea,
Dioscorea aspera,
Dioscorea aspersa,
Dioscorea asperula,
Dioscorea asteriscus,
Dioscorea atrescens,
Dioscorea auriculata,
Dioscorea bahiensis,
Dioscorea balcanica,
Dioscorea bancana,
Dioscorea banzhuana,
Dioscorea bartlettii,
Dioscorea basiclavicaulis,
Dioscorea baya,
Dioscorea beecheyi,
Dioscorea belophylla,
Dioscorea bemandry,
Dioscorea bemarivensis,
Dioscorea benthamii,
Dioscorea berenicea,
Dioscorea bermejensis,
Dioscorea bernoulliana,
Dioscorea besseriana,